I just picked up this cross. Believe it or not I don’t have a KO EK1 in my collection so thought I’d get as interesting an example as possible. I’m always dubious of engraved items, particularly since this appears to have been done ‘unprofessionally’. It wasn’t expensive, but the engraving appears consistent with the patina and I have no reason to question it’s authenticity.
This will be my first engraved cross, I’ve got some lovely 1914 and 1939 crosses, but think this could be a start of a shift in collecting as, even before it’s arrived, I’ve started a full on research quest !!
Here are the pics from the seller with an explanation of the engraving :-
A little closer inspection reveals that it actually says “stabsartz” and the name is “Lehr” contrary to what the seller quoted.
A bit of searching revealed two regimental histories, the most pertinent here here :-
http://dfg-viewer.de/show/cache.off?...a0a70ffa6f379c
A quick scroll through, and I was delighted to find mention of the EK1 holding Artz concerned :-
It appears that given the date on the cross it was awarded during The Spring Offensive/ Kaiserschlacht in the area around Beaumont Hamel / Serre according to the regimental history in the link !
Wow, just wow, a cross seemingly awarded in such a well known area through all three battles on the Somme.
Now I want to know more about this gentleman who undoubtedly saved lives rather than took them. I just wonder what he was awarded it for. I really want to know more !
I’ll post better pics with a macro lens as soon as I get it ‘in hand’.
What do you guys think ?
This will be my first engraved cross, I’ve got some lovely 1914 and 1939 crosses, but think this could be a start of a shift in collecting as, even before it’s arrived, I’ve started a full on research quest !!
Here are the pics from the seller with an explanation of the engraving :-
A little closer inspection reveals that it actually says “stabsartz” and the name is “Lehr” contrary to what the seller quoted.
A bit of searching revealed two regimental histories, the most pertinent here here :-
http://dfg-viewer.de/show/cache.off?...a0a70ffa6f379c
A quick scroll through, and I was delighted to find mention of the EK1 holding Artz concerned :-
It appears that given the date on the cross it was awarded during The Spring Offensive/ Kaiserschlacht in the area around Beaumont Hamel / Serre according to the regimental history in the link !
Wow, just wow, a cross seemingly awarded in such a well known area through all three battles on the Somme.
Now I want to know more about this gentleman who undoubtedly saved lives rather than took them. I just wonder what he was awarded it for. I really want to know more !
I’ll post better pics with a macro lens as soon as I get it ‘in hand’.
What do you guys think ?
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